An associate Professor of Systematic Theology and Director, National Open University of Nigeria, Jos Study Center, Professor Philip Tachin, has described Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation ( SGF) as a rare gem in the country’s history.
This is just as he expressed optimism that Akume will add value to the “Renewed Hope”, the policy document of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Professor Tachin who stated this while interacting with Tribune Online on Sunday commended Akume for his boldness and leadership vision and for defending the interests of people at all times.
The former Executive Chairman, Benue Universal Basic Education Board, noted that Akume is different things to different people but certain things that are not in question are his humility, approachability, compassion, respectfulness and generosity, which have set him apart from many others in the political field and personal relationship.
He said, “Senator Akume is well-known to many Nigerians but perhaps some of his qualities need to be highlighted for a better understanding of who this personality is. He is different things to different people but certain things that are not in question are his humility, approachability, compassion, respectfulness and generosity, which have set him apart from many others in the political field and personal relationship.
“He would often be seen hugging and interacting with people from all walks of life, listening to their concerns, and working tirelessly to address them. In fact, his doors are open all the way to his bedroom, which is unique to him in comparative terms, within the Benue political context. This genuine connection with the people has endeared him to their hearts, making him a true leader of the people.”
The Don added that Akume is a rare gem whose style of leadership pedigree and antecedents speak to the true virtues and qualities of “an educated mind and a politician who respects and keeps the public trust.”
He said the SGF has consistently demonstrated that charity and philanthropy are essential ingredients of good leadership that is based on selflessness where the masses are its significant order.
Prof. Tachin, who is also a Pastor with the Universal Reform Christian Church (URCC) added that Nigerians have been celebrating Akume not just as a politician, but as a beacon of hope and inspiration, especially to the masses.
He further added that Akume’s inclusion in the Tinubu government shows that Mr. President wants leaders with hearts for the ordinary people to help him actualize his vision for a new Nigeria in the mantra of “Renewed Hope.” Saying his wisdom and wealth of experience will add value to the government and his legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those he has touched.
The All Progressive Congress (APC) chieftain explained that the beautiful ceremony that the leaders of the North Central organized in his honour on August 18 was a great testimony to the towering figure in the political history of Nigeria.
“Hardly does a day go by without somebody having testimony to give about him. More revelations about Senator Akume surface from testimonies of those who have been opportune to have an encounter with him in one way or the other. He is arguably one of the most discussed politicians in Nigeria today. The beautiful ceremony that the leaders of the North Central organized in his honour on August 18 is a great testimony to this towering figure in the political history of Nigeria.
“As a consummate servant-leader and philanthropist, he shows an extraordinary possession of a heart of gold by constantly and ungrudgingly bearing the suffering of the poorest of the poor.
“Akume is a rare gem whose style of leadership pedigree and antecedents speak to the true virtues and qualities of “an educated mind and a politician who respects and keeps the public trust.” He has consistently demonstrated that charity and philanthropy are essential ingredients of good leadership, that is, leadership that is based on selflessness where the masses are its significant order.
“He was born and brought up in his native Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State before moving out to traverse the state, the nation and beyond in search of educational attainments and other endeavours. A closer study of Senator Akume has shown that in all his engagements, he never rushes on things but always carefully studies a situation and makes a tactical move with a high sense of intelligence and meticulousness,” Pastor Tachin explained.
“Coming from a disciplined, hard working and humble background, he grew up to become a humane, sociable, and a service oriented person; extremely kind, amiable, fair minded and one who relates seamlessly with everyone without discrimination on the basis of class, gender, race, religion or ethnicity. Indeed, Akume is a leader par excellence, and this is demonstrated by his willingness to forgive those who betray or fight him when they run back to him again for survival, something that irks majority of his loyal followers,” he said.
Outlining Akume’s achievements as governor, Tachin said he laid a solid foundation for the smooth take off of his administration, by advancing projects and programmes that fostered all inclusive, sustainable growth and development through the deliberate empowerment of the indigenous small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) so as to diversify, stimulate and boost the private sector of the local economy which was hitherto dependent entirely upon subsistence farming and the state civil service.
He said that the former Minister upgraded rural electrification and power supply across the state’s hinterlands, established Benue state university teaching hospital, College of Health Sciences, and built a residential layout called Judges’ Quarters.
He added that the administration also initiated and built a number of housing projects for civil servants and other low income groups on Owner Occupier basis including the BIPC Housing Estates located in Nyiman and North Bank areas of the Makurdi metropolis.
The Don concluded that before coming to national limelight, he rose steadily from the civil service ranks, holding several important positions including chairmanship of Local Government Area Councils and Head of Directorates before bowing out of the civil service as a Permanent Secretary to vie for the governorship of the state, saying he will utilize the experience for the task ahead.
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